I muttered this question to myself as I clicked through reviews of nearby restaurants and markets in my little neighborhood of Fox Point, Providence. There are a lot of places boasting authentic Portuguese cuisine, along with bread and pastry or a wide variety of madeira. While I miss so much about living in Washington, D.C., Providence has surpassed my expectations related to food offerings. One of the greatest surprises has been getting to know Portuguese cuisine, and seeing how embedded this culture is within the area. Immigrants from Portugal heavily settled Fox Point at the beginning of the 20th century, drawn here for manufacturing and waterfront employment opportunities. I recently learned that thirty-two percent of residents claim Portuguese ancestry in our neighborhood.

November 1, 2020December 12, 2020 by KD

Chicken Tikka Masala

If you find yourself in a rut with uninspiring weeknight meals, why not try a new-to-you cuisine? Meals like chicken tikka masala come together quickly and seamlessly, especially with a well-stocked pantry. Aside from a deep dive into your spice cabinet, none of these ingredients are hard to come by.

Read more “Chicken Tikka Masala” →

October 13, 2020December 12, 2020 by KD

Kitchen Cleanliness Commandments

Spring just begs to be spent outdoors; birds chirping, flowers budding, the sun staying out much, much later… but don’t forget it’s also the time of year for spring cleaning! The kitchen can be a difficult area to spruce up after the winter months, and even harder to keep clean once the farmers market opens for business. So with that in mind, here are some Kitchen Cleanliness Commandments to keep you on track.

October 1, 2020November 14, 2020 by KD

Hey, Guess What? It’s October

Pumpkin spice and apple cider season is truly upon us. In my neck of the woods, the temperature is perfect for camping, the nights just cool enough to necessitate extra time in front of the campfire. Here is a list of produce in season in the Eastern U.S. this month:

September 22, 2020December 12, 2020 by KD

How to Dice an Onion

As you begin to tackle more and more recipes, you may notice instructions that seem like deja vu. Dicing or chopping an onion is one of these; it’s a crucial step in preparation for any number of delicious dishes. If you want to know why they’re so crucial, I’d recommend reading my post all about alliums. But if you want to know how to prep them, you’ve come to the right place!

Read more “How to Dice an Onion” →

August 29, 2020December 12, 2020 by KD

Oatmeal That’s a Real Meal

It’s time to examine how you’re treating oatmeal. That’s right, this quick breakfast deserves a bit more of your attention. With a poached egg and a few choice condiments, that bland bowl will become a savory, gourmet, Instagram-worthy brunch or breakfast in seconds. Here are a few options on permanent rotation in my kitchen:

May 30, 2020May 31, 2020 by KD

Bloomin’ June Cocktail

Flowers are in full bloom all around the neighborhood. As I walk through the quiet streets at dusk, the scents mingle and I can imagine delicate combinations of flavors and textures that epitomize a late spring evening perfectly. Here is the result: a drink recipewith floral and citrus notes and a sugary, bubbly kick: the Bloomin’ June cocktail.

Read more “Bloomin’ June Cocktail” →

May 8, 2020May 31, 2020 by KD

Eggvocado

Do you have some leftover avocados lying around? First of all, that’s crazy, there is no such thing as a “leftover” avocado. They are prized jewels that should be the focal point of every meal. But if you made a big batch of guacamole for a potluck and have one or two extra, you can make a healthy, filling breakfast in under 30 minutes.

Ratatouille

It’s time for some word association! What produce comes to mind when you hear the word “summer”? Chances are, whatever you blurted out is included in this recipe for ratatouille, a fresh summer stew full of the most flavorful herbs and produce around.
Read more “Ratatouille” →

May 18, 2019May 31, 2020 by KD

Greek Spaghetti Squash

Have you ever heard of spaghetti squash? Even if you’ve never seen the bulbous yellow fruit in produce aisles, I bet you can guess its characteristics from its extremely enigmatic name. When cooked, the flesh of a spaghetti squash can be removed in stringy bits that resemble… drum roll please… spaghetti! So why not make a delicious pasta dish tonight, and up the nutrition by substituting boring old spaghetti for some vitamin A- and potassium- packed veggie noodles?

Read more “Greek Spaghetti Squash” →

April 7, 2019May 31, 2020 by KD

A New Spin on Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a popular dish to serve around Easter festivities. Anyone can tweak the classic mayonnaise-based recipe to spice it up a little. But if you’re looking for a whole new flavor, I’ve got just the recipe for you. With tuna, olives, tomato, and mustard mixed with the hard boiled yolks, not only will the taste of these “Confit Tuna and Olive Deviled Eggs” impress, but the colorful presentation will be a welcome sight this spring!

the cursory cook.

What Is Portuguese Cuisine?